YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, during his tenure as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, faced criticism for approving the construction of a hill resort in Rushikonda by demolishing the existing ‘Haritha Resorts’. The project, initially stated to be for commercial use such as resorts and hotels, sparked controversy when opposition parties alleged it was intended as Jagan’s official residence.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) initiated the project with an investment of 365 crores, although reports suggested the cost could exceed 500 crores due to its extravagant amenities. The building, previously off-limits to the public and media, was recently opened by former tourism minister Roja.
Recently, Bheemili MLA Ghanta Srinivas Rao and other NDA alliance leaders inspected the building to investigate its purpose. Inside, they discovered luxurious features like high-quality furnishings, chandeliers, spacious rooms, and lavish interiors. The visuals of the palace have since gone viral on social media, revealing the scale of public expenditure.
Critics likened the building to extravagant residences of past political figures. Ghanta Srinivas Rao described it as comparable to Saddam Hussein’s mansion and Gali Janardhan Reddy’s opulent building in Bellary, criticizing the expenditure of over 500 crores for what appears to be a personal residence.
Jagan Mohan Reddy had proposed Vizag as the executive capital, part of a controversial three capitals plan, but faced challenges implementing it due to legal setbacks. Despite his aspirations, the recent assembly elections saw a majority for the NDA alliance, indicating a rejection of his policies by the people of Andhra Pradesh.
